If you have pets in the house, a prospective buyer that doesn’t like pets will be immediately turned off. It is even worse if they can’t see a portion of the home because the dog or cat is locked in there while you are at work. While many pets are like family members to their owners, these pets can cost an owner a sell of their home or cost them considerably because a buyer will immediately think of replacing carpet and other expenses.

Another turn-off to buyers is an overgrown yard that looks like an abandoned home, or one that has kids toys strewn all over the yard and the living room. It is hard for buyers to see past what would seem like a harmless living condition, but there again, for buyers without kids, they picture neglect and a lack of caring on the part of the homeowner, both for the home and sometimes for the kids, based on living conditions.

Clutter that is all over the shelves, tables, chairs and everywhere you look is distracting and makes it hard for a buyer to picture themselves living there. Once your home is listed, it should be kept clean and a garage sale might be in order before you start packing things in boxes. If you are planning on selling the home, you need to be sorting through things and packing your sentimental value trinkets away.

Curb appeal is important, so make sure shrubs are trimmed, the yard is mowed and the entryway is appealing, even fresh coats of paint on trim can help. If you look at your home from the street in, you might see minor things that don’t cost much money, but can get your home in shape quickly.

Keep in mind that you are trying to sell something-the home won’t sell itself unless it has a fighting chance. Fresh paint can cost a few hundred dollars, but add thousands to the price of the house. This might be the easiest money you ever made. The worst that could happen is you end up with a home that is worth more and it will be easier to sell than competitors that aren’t as well cared for.

Many people have kid’s toys and pets but a buyer doesn’t need to focus on it the entire time they are looking at your home. If you have a pet that can stay in a fenced yard, that is a better place. A large dog kennel for an inside pet allows buyers to see your entire home. Children’s toys should be kept to a minimum or neatly put away out of sight and clutter should be cleaned up. A clean house and good curb appeal will help your house sell quicker and get you top dollar.

Other Boulder areas served by Automated Homefinder:
Longmont Colorado
University Hill, Boulder
Mapleton Hill, BOulder
Newlands, Boulder
Table Mesa, Boulder